Bag with insulated beverage pocket

ABSTRACT

A bag with an insulated beverage pocket includes a bag body having an interior compartment and an insulated pocket extending into the interior compartment.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to bags, and, in particular, to bags having an insulated beverage pocket.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Bags for carrying items such as books, clothing, and other personal items are well known. Many types of bags are available including, for example, backpacks, duffel bags, messenger bags, tote bags, etc. Such bags typically comprise a body having a large central compartment into which the items are placed. Additional compartments may also be provided to separate items within the central compartment, and external pockets may be provided to provide additional storage.

It is often desirable for user's of a bag to carry beverages within the bag, especially when the user is engaged in strenuous activities, such as hiking, climbing, skateboarding, etc. Having water or another beverage available helps the user avoid dehydration, and having the beverage in the bag provides a convenience for the user.

European Patent No. 0 541 032 to Kullmann discloses a backpack having a receptacle compartment in a lower portion of the backpack. The receptacle compartment is accessed from a side of the backpack. The receptacle compartment is strengthened by a stiffening unit, such as a plastic tube, or a braided metal or plastic cylinder. The stiffening unit is intended to prevent other objects that are located in the backpack from compressing the receptacle compartment. Kullman is limiting in that whether or not the receptacle compartment is housing a beverage, the compartment still occupies the same amount of space in the backpack, which is highly inefficient. Additionally, the receptacle compartment provides no insulative properties for the beverage held in the compartment.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,116,045 to Hodosh et al. discloses an insulated container having a receptacle positioned in a top or side of the container. A partially opened container may be housed in the receptacle and kept warm or cold by being exposed to a thermal energy storage medium, such as ice or a heated member housed within the container.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a bag that reduces or overcomes some or all of the difficulties inherent in prior known devices. Particular objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art, that is, those who are knowledgeable or experienced in this field of technology, in view of the following disclosure of the invention and detailed description of certain preferred embodiments.

SUMMARY

The principles of the invention may be used to advantage to provide a bag with an insulated beverage pocket. In accordance with a first aspect, a bag with an insulated beverage pocket includes a bag body having an interior compartment and an insulated pocket extending into the interior compartment.

In accordance with another aspect, a bag with an insulated beverage pocket includes a bag body having an interior compartment. A carrying strap is connected at opposed ends thereof to the bag body. An insulated pocket extends from a sidewall of the bag body at an angle into the interior compartment. A retaining member has a first end secured to the insulated pocket and a second end secured to the sidewall. A cover for the insulated pocket is secured about an opening of the insulated pocket by a zipper.

In accordance with a further aspect, a bag with an insulated beverage pocket includes a bag body having an interior compartment. A handle is connected at opposed ends thereof to the bag body. An insulated pocket extends from a sidewall of the bag body at an angle into the interior compartment. A retaining member has a first end secured to the insulated pocket and a second end secured to the sidewall. A cover for the insulated pocket is secured about an opening of the insulated pocket by a zipper.

Substantial advantage is achieved by providing a bag with an insulated beverage pocket. In particular, a bag with an insulated beverage pocket helps a user to maintain a beverage at a desired temperature, while allowing other items to be carried in the interior compartment. In certain embodiments, the insulated pocket prevents condensation from affecting other items carried in the bag.

These and additional features and advantages of the invention disclosed here will be further understood from the following detailed disclosure of certain preferred embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a bag with an insulated beverage pocket in accordance with certain embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a section view, taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1, showing a bottle positioned in the insulated beverage pocket.

FIG. 3 is a section view of the bag of FIG. 1, shown with the insulated beverage pocket empty and in a collapsed condition.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of an alternate embodiment of a bag with an insulated beverage pocket.

FIG. 5 is section view of a portion of a sidewall of the insulated beverage pocket of the bag of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of another alternative embodiment of a bag with an insulated beverage pocket.

The figures referred to above are not drawn necessarily to scale and should be understood to provide a representation of the invention, illustrative of the principles involved. Some features of the bag with an insulated beverage pocket depicted in the drawings have been enlarged or distorted relative to others to facilitate explanation and understanding. The same reference numbers are used in the drawings for similar or identical components and features shown in various alternative embodiments. Bags with an insulated beverage pocket as disclosed herein, would have configurations and components determined, in part, by the intended application and environment in which they are used.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention may be embodied in various forms. A bag 10 in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 1-3. In the illustrated embodiment, bag 10 is a duffel bag or gym bag, having a substantially cylindrical configuration. Bag 10 has a side wall 12, a closed first end 14 and an opposed open second end 16.

Bag 10 includes a main compartment 18, a second compartment 20 positioned between main compartment 18 and first end 14, and a third compartment 22 positioned between main compartment 18 and open second end 16. An interior wall 19 separates main compartment 18 from second compartment 20, and another interior wall 21 separates main compartment 18 from third compartment 22. In certain embodiments, grommets 24 are provided in sidewall 12 proximate second end 16, through which a cord 26 extends, allowing third compartment 22 to be cinched closed. A fastener 27 on cord 26 allows cord 26 to be secured in a desired position, allowing third compartment 22 to be securely closed. In other embodiments, cord 26 can be concealed from view, such as by positioning it in a sleeve formed in sidewall 12. Grommets 24 would naturally not be needed in such an embodiment.

A zipper 28 positioned about a flap 30 provides access to main compartment 18. A handle 32 is secured to sidewall 12 for hand carrying of bag 10. A carrying strap such as a shoulder strap 34 is also secured to sidewall 12 for carrying bag 10.

Unless otherwise stated, or otherwise clear from the context below, directional terms used herein, such as inwardly, outwardly, downwardly, upwardly, etc., refer to directions relative to bag 10 itself. Bag 10 is shown in FIG. 1 to be disposed substantially horizontally, as it would be when positioned on the ground or the floor. However, it is to be appreciated that bag 10 need not be limited to such an orientation, since bag 10 could at times be in any other position. Inwardly, when used herein is a direction from an exterior of bag 10 toward an interior of bag 10. Naturally, outwardly is a direction from the interior toward the exterior of bag 10.

As illustrated here, the interior of bag 10 is subdivided into smaller compartments. It is to be appreciated that additional external pockets may be added to bag 10 in order to keep various items separate from one another, thereby providing easy access to frequently used items, and allowing for the proper weight distribution and comfort to the wearer.

Although bag 10 is illustrated here in a substantially cylindrical configuration, it is to be appreciated that bag 10 may have any desired configuration. For example, bag 10 may be cubic with six sides or panels, namely, a top, a bottom, two sides and two ends. Bag 10 can comprise fewer or more sides or panels and be within the scope of the invention. For instance, each of the top, bottom, sides and ends can be comprised of one continuous piece of fabric with no actual seams or junctures. Alternatively, bag 10 could even be formed with more than six panels or sides and corresponding seams or junctures therebetween.

The panels making up bag 10, as well as the straps and other components, can naturally comprise a number of natural or synthetic materials. Natural fabric such as leather, cotton (especially canvas or single-filled duck) and the like may be useful for certain applications. Exemplary materials are synthetic fabrics made from thermoplastic materials such as polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyamide (such as nylon), polyethylene, polyester, etc. In certain preferred embodiments, nylon is used, which can be textured for breathability, wear-resistance, and waterproofed with materials such as silicone elastomers and the like. Particularly useful is a type of nylon known as Cordura (provided by E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Co., Wilmington, Del.). Multiple or composite layer configurations as are well-known in the art, in which a tougher, more durable weave comprises an outer layer while a lighter, thinner, and more flexible inner weave comprises an inner layer. Some of these materials known in the industry, such as Gore-Tex (provided by W.L. Gore & Associates, Newark, Del.), Tri-Shield (provided by Tri-Seal International, Blauvelt, N.Y.), Spandura (provided by H. Warsaw & Sons, New York, N.Y.), etc. can be used as appropriate.

An insulated pocket 36 extends inwardly into main compartment 18. In the illustrated embodiment, pocket 36 is formed in sidewall 12 of bag 10. It is to be appreciated that pocket 36 may be positioned in other locations in bag 10 including, for example, in first end 14. Insulated pocket 36 includes a wall 38 and a bottom 40. In various embodiments, pocket 36 has a cylindrical profile, which could be circular or oval, allowing a beverage container, such as a bottle 42 to be easily received in pocket 36. In other various embodiments, pocket 36 could have other shapes, such as rectangular, and other such shapes are considered to be within the scope of the present invention.

With respect to pocket 36, the term inwardly refers to a direction from an exterior of pocket 36 toward the interior of pocket 36. Outwardly is a direction from the interior of pocket 36 toward an exterior of pocket 36. Accordingly, inner, when used with respect to pocket 36, refers to the interior, or interior side or surface, of pocket 36, and outer refers to the exterior, or exterior side or surface, of pocket 36.

In certain embodiments, pocket 36 angles downwardly into main compartment 18, and is secured to main compartment 18 by a retaining member, such as elongate lengths of webbing 44, 46. Angling pocket 36 downwardly helps ensure that any fluid that might spill from bottle 42, or condensation from the exterior of bottle 42, will be retained in pocket 36. As illustrated in FIGS. 2-3, lengths of webbing 44, 46 extend inwardly at an angle from sidewall 12 to pocket 36. Consequently, lengths of webbing 44, 46 act to keep pocket 36 from moving further inwardly into the interior of bag 10, but allow pocket 36 to move outwardly toward sidewall 12, as seen in FIG. 3, where pocket 36 is seen in an empty and collapsed, or compressed condition. Allowing pocket 36 to compress is advantageous since more space is available in main compartment 18 when pocket 36 is not holding a beverage and is in its collapsed or compressed condition. In certain preferred embodiments, there are no lengths of webbing extending between pocket 36 and sidewall 12.

As illustrated here, the opening of pocket 36 is secured with a fastener such as a zipper 48. In other embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 4, a cover 50 is secured about the opening of pocket 36. Cover 50 is preferably releasably closed about pocket 36 by a fastener, such as zipper 52. It is to be appreciated that zippers 48, 52 may be waterproof zippers.

Pocket 36 is insulated so as to keep bottle 42 cool or warm for the user. Wall 38, bottom 40 and cover 50 are all preferably insulated. An embodiment of the construction of pocket 36 is illustrated in FIG. 5, in which the composition of wall 38 is shown. As seen here, wall 38 is formed of a first outer layer 54 that forms the exterior surface of pocket 36 and is exposed to main compartment 18. Outer layer 54 may be formed of the same material as the remainder of main compartment 18. Suitable materials for outer layer 54 include polyester, nylon, and canvas. Other suitable materials for outer layer 54 will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art, given the benefit of this disclosure.

A second inner layer 56 forms the interior surface of pocket 36 and, therefore, is exposed to the interior of pocket 36. In various embodiments, inner layer 56 is formed of a waterproof material so as to help contain moisture within pocket 36. Thus, if liquid were to spill from a beverage container held in pocket 36, the liquid would tend to be contained within pocket 36. Similarly, any condensation from the exterior surface of a beverage container in pocket 36 would also tend to be contained within pocket 36. Inner layer 56 may be formed of, for example, polyvinylchloride (PVC), polyester, or other thin-sheet plastics. Other suitable materials for inner layer 56 will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art, given the benefit of this disclosure.

A third insulating layer 58 is sandwiched between outer layer 54 and inner layer 56. Insulating layer 58 provides the insulative properties that help maintain the beverage at a desired temperature. In some embodiments, insulating layer 58 is formed of a foam, such as enhanced polyethylene (EPE). Insulating layer 58 may also be formed of, for example, polyester, or other foamed insulating materials. Other suitable materials for insulating layer 58 will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art, given the benefit of this disclosure.

As described here, insulated pocket 36 is formed of three layers. However, it is to be appreciated that pocket 36 may be formed fewer or greater than three layers, and embodiments with fewer or greater than three layers are considered to be within the scope of the present invention.

Various embodiments of a bag incorporate a slingback bag 60, as seen in FIG. 6. Slingback bag 60 has a carrying strap such as a shoulder strap 62 and is primarily designed to be carried over the shoulder and about the body of the user. Slingback bag 60 has an interior compartment 64 in which items can be carried. As described above with respect to bag 10, slingback bag 60 has a zipper 48 providing access to pocket 36, which is suspended within interior compartment 64.

It is to be appreciated that the types and shapes of the bags described above are merely exemplary and that bags of any type or shape are considered to be within the scope of the present invention.

In light of the foregoing disclosure of the invention and description of the preferred embodiments, those skilled in this area of technology will readily understand that various modifications and adaptations can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. All such modifications and adaptations are intended to be covered by the following claims. 

1. A bag with an insulated beverage pocket comprising, in combination: a bag body having an interior compartment; an insulated pocket extending into the interior compartment.
 2. The bag of claim 1, wherein the insulated pocket comprises a first outer layer exposed to the interior compartment, a second inner layer exposed to an interior of the pocket, and a third layer sandwiched between the first and second layers.
 3. The bag of claim 2, wherein the first layer is formed of polyester.
 4. The bag of claim 2, wherein the second layer is formed of PVC.
 5. The bag of claim 2, wherein the third layer is formed of an insulating material.
 6. The bag of claim 2, wherein the third layer is formed of EPE.
 7. The bag of claim 2, further comprising a retaining member connecting the insulated pocket to the bag body.
 8. The bag of claim 7, wherein the retaining member comprises an elongate length of webbing having a first end connected to the insulated pocket and an opposed second end connected to the bag body.
 9. The bag of claim 7, wherein the retaining member comprises a pair of elongate lengths of webbing, each length of webbing having a first end connected to the insulated pocket and an opposed second end connected to the bag body.
 10. The bag of claim 7, wherein the insulated pocket extends inwardly at an acute angle from a sidewall of the bag body.
 11. The bag of claim 10, wherein the retaining member retains the insulated pocket at the acute angle with respect to the sidewall of the bag body.
 12. The bag of claim 1, further comprising a cover releasably secured about an opening of the insulated pocket.
 13. The bag of claim 12, wherein the cover is secured to the pocket with a zipper.
 14. The bag of claim 1, further comprising a carrying strap connected at opposed ends thereof to the bag body.
 15. The bag of claim 1, further comprising a handle connected to the bag body.
 16. A bag with an insulated beverage pocket comprising, in combination: a bag body having an interior compartment; a carrying strap connected at opposed ends thereof to the bag body; an insulated pocket extending from a sidewall of the bag body at an angle into the interior compartment; a retaining member having a first end secured to the insulated pocket and a second end secured to the sidewall; and a cover for the insulated pocket and secured about an opening of the insulated pocket by a zipper.
 17. The bag of claim 16, wherein the retaining member comprises a length of webbing having a first end connected to the insulated pocket and an opposed second end connected to the bag body.
 18. The bag of claim 16, wherein the retaining member comprises a pair of lengths of webbing, each length of webbing having a first end connected to the insulated pocket and an opposed second end connected to the bag body.
 19. A bag with an insulated beverage pocket comprising, in combination: a bag body having an interior compartment; a handle connected at opposed ends thereof to the bag body; an insulated pocket extending from a sidewall of the bag body at an angle into the interior compartment; a retaining member having a first end secured to the insulated pocket and a second end secured to the sidewall; and a cover for the insulated pocket and secured about an opening of the insulated pocket by a zipper. 